Car theft suspect photographed

Detective Tyler Wheeler of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department has provided a photograph of the man believed to be the car theft suspect the department is seeking.

Detective Tyler Wheeler of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department has provided a photograph of the man believed to be the car theft suspect the department is seeking.

The man was photographed at approximately 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Wilco Fast Lane in Palmyra. Wheeler reported the video footage shows the suspect has changed clothes and is now in camouflage and carrying an Army-type rucksack.

It is unknown where the suspect acquired the clothes as there have been no reports of these items being stolen. The suspect was last seen walking northbound from Industrial Drive at 2:40 a.m. Wednesday.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is working closely with the Missouri Information Analysis Center, Iowa Bureau of Investigation and Illinois authorities.

On July 8, Wheeler reported officers were investigating a burglary that occurred around 8:30 a.m. July 8. A woman reported a white male with long hair took a gas can from her garage and fled on foot.

A deputy saw a male fitting the description holding a gas can, attempting to put fuel in a car on U.S. 61 north of Palmyra. When the deputy attempted to make contact with the man, he fled on foot over an embankment and into a field.

After further investigation, it was determined the vehicle was stolen out of McDonough County, Ill. Detectives later learned the suspect is linked to numerous stolen vehicles in the state of Illinois including McDonough County, Warren County and Will County.

After an extensive search of nearby fields with the help of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter, the suspect was not located.

The sheriff’s department urges residents to lock all vehicles and to report any information or suspicious persons matching the description at (573) 769-2077 or (573) 221-6400